Art of hair dressing



P 15, 1942-1 H'. L. LE PAGE ,168

ART OF HAIR DRESSING Filed Oct 19, l940 2 Sheet-Sheat l v ATTO NEY.

Sept, 15, 1942. H. 1.. LE PAGE ,158

w ARTOF HAIR DRESSING Filed Oct. 19, 1940 2 s eet -shet 2"- v V Ifil/gilggmog ATTO NE Patented Sept. 15, 1942 UNITED STATESPATENT OFFICEART OF HAIR DRESSING Hector L. Le Page, Milwaukee, Wis.

Application October 19, 1940, Serial No. 361,812 Claims. 4C1. 132-43)The present invention relates in general to improvements in the art ofhair dressing, and relates more specifically to improvements in theconstruction and operation of apparatus for curling hair.

Many different kinds of appliances and devices have heretofor beenproposed and used with varying degrees of success, for the purpose ofproducing various types of waves and curls in hair. Some of these priordevices are relatively ineffective because they do not properly engageand confine the strands of hair, while others cannot produce attractivecurls of uniform texture having all of the hair of a strand properlypositioned with respect to the others. Many of the prior hair curlersare also too complicated for proper manipulation by a novice, and someof these appliances are also painful to the user and injurious to thehair. It has been observed when producing either so-called pin curlswhich lie flat against the head, or roll curls extending along andapproximately parallel to the scalp, that it is desirable tofrictionally maintain the individual hair of a strand under slighttension while the strand is being wound around the curling axis and thatif the strand is combed during the curling operation more uniform andregular final curls result. The individual hair of the strands should beretained out of contact with adjacent effective means for holding thecurls after the curlers have been removed, and for drying the curls whenclamped in the curlers.

It is therefore an object of my present invention to provide new anduseful apparatus for producing pin curls, roll curls, or other types,ex-

to provide an improved curl producing assemblage which may bemanipulated by a novice to effectively curl the hair without danger ofinjuring the same.

An additional specific object of this invention is to provide animproved device for quickly and effectively producing pin curls, andmeans for retaining the curls in place after the forming device has beenremoved, or the curls have been re- 10" moved from the former.

Still another additional object of my invention is to provide animproved applianc for rapidly and effectively producing roll curls whichwill lie M I flat against the head While the curl formed there- 15' onis drying, together with simple and effective means for expediting thedrying operation.

A further additional object of the present invention is to provideimproved hair curling units which are flexible in use, sturdy instructure, and

which can be manufactured and sold at moderate cost.

These and other specific objects and advantages of the invention will beapparent from the 7 following detailed description.

A clear conception of the mode of constructing and of utilizing haircurlers embodying the new features, may be had by referring to thedrawings accompanying and forming a part of this specification whereinlike reference characters peditiously and so that attractive final curlsresult.

Another specific object of the present invention is to provide animproved hair curling appliance wherein the hair may be properly woundinto curl formation with minimum discomfort to the user of the device. Afurther specific object of my invention is to provide an improved curlproducing device wherein the hair is effectively combed and ardesignatethe same or similar parts in the various views.

Fig. l is a side view of one type of new pin curl producing device,showing the hair combing and frictional tensioning clamp open and aboutto be applied to a strand of hair;

Fig. 2 is a part sectional elevation of the pin curler of Fig. 1,showing the combing andtensioning clamp closed; 7

Fig. 3 is an end or bottom View of the assemblage with the partspositioned as in Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a side elevation of a modified type of pin curl producingdevice, showing a strand of hair coacting therewith preparatory tocurling; Fig. 5 is an end or bottom view of the assemblage of Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a side elevation or still another modified type of pin curlproducing device wherein the hair strands are initially insertable withthe aid of an ordinary comb applied as shown;

Fig. '7 is a similar view of the appliance of Fig.6, showing the combremoved and the strand of hair positioned preparatory to actual curling;

Fig. 8 is an end or bottom view of the assemblage of Fig. '7;

Fig. 9 is an enlarged side view of the curler spindle of any of thepreceding views, but showing the spindle modified for reception of acurl retaining clip;

Fig. is a similarly enlarged part sectional View through the modifiedspindle of Fig. 9, showing the retaining clip in several positions;

Fig. 11 is a side view of one of my improved roll curl producingdevices, showing the curl clamping yoke and the frictional retaining andcombing bar, swung into inactive position;

Fig. 12 is a top View of the curler of Fig. 11, but showing the clampingyoke inactive while the retaining bar is cooperating with a strand ofhair;

Fig. 13 is a side elevation of the assemblage positioned as in Fig. 12;

Fig. 14 is a side View of a modified type of my improved roll curlproducer, showing both the clamping yoke and the retaining bar ininactive position;

Fig. 15 is a top view of the modified curler of Fig. 14, but showing"the clamping yoke inactive while the frictional clamping bar is active;"Fig; 16 is a side elevation of the modified assemblage positioned as inFig. 15;'

Fig; 1'7 is a plan view of a roll curler such as shown in Figs; 11 to 13inclusive, with all parts in activep'osition; and showing the mode ofapplying oneof my improved drying heaters to a cu'rl;'and

Fig. 18 is an end view of the assemblage of Fig? showing the approximatelocation of the drying heater.

' VZhile several specific embodiments of the invention have been shownand described by way of illustrationfit is not my desire or intent tounnecessarily restrict the scope 'or utility of the invention by virtueof this limited illustrative disclosure, and the precise steps of myimproved mode of producing curls will be more fully describedinconnection with the description of operation of the several types ofcurlers.

Referring specifically to Figs. 1 to 3 inclusive, the "improved pinproducing curling device shown therein, comprises in general anapproximately cylindrical core or' spindle 25 having a handle orpositioning knob 2Trigid1y attached thereto by'meanscf a bearing rod 22;a winder or brack et 23 having an integral sleeve 24 rotatablyjournalled on the rod 22 between the spindle and the knob '21 and beingprovided with a generally rectangular frame 25 and a flange or lip 26disp'o'se'd' on opposite sides of and parallel to'the spindle 2i}; and africtional retaining and hair tensioning clamp bar 2'? pivotallysuspended from one side member of the frame 25 and interlockable withthe other side member 25, the bar being'provided with a series ofserrations or hair combing teeth 29.

The spindle 2!] may be formed of wood or other suitablefinaterial whichwill have pleasing contact with the scalp, and the other elements of theassemblage may be formed of aluminum or other light but durable metal.The core or spindle may be positioned in contact with a scalp 30in themanner shown in Fig. Land a strand 3|"of hair may be initiallypositioned upon the frame 25 as illustrated. The bracket 23 and theparts carried'thereby may be freely rotated about the bearing rod 22,and when the clamping bar 21, is clamped in closed position as shown inFigs. 2 and 3, 'an'intervening group or strand 3! of hair will befrictionally clamped against the frame. When thus clamped, the strandZlfmay however be pulled longitudinally and the individual hair will becombed and arranged parallel to each other by the teeth 29.

In Figs. 4 and 5, is shown a modified type of improved pin curlercomprising in general an approximately cylindrical core or spindle 20having a manipulating knob 2| rigidly attached thereto by means of abearing rod 22; a bracket 33 having an integral sleeve 34 rotatablyjournalled upon the rod 22 between the spindle 2i) and the knob 2!, andbeing provided with a depending arm 35 and with a lip 36 disposed on theopposite sides of and parallel to the spindle 253; and a comb segment 37secured to the lower extremity of the arm 35 by means of screws 38 orotherwise, and having teeth at extending upwardly and away from thespindle axis.

The spindle 25 and other elements with the exception of the comb segment3i, may be formed as previously described, and the comb segments 31 maybe formed of hard rubber or other material used in the construction ofordinary combs. This comb segment 3'! is adapted to initially engagea'strand 3| ofhair as shown in' Fig. 4, while the spindle'im engages thescalp 39, and when the hairs are forced into the tapered grooves betweenthe teeth 39 of the comb, they will be frictionally restrained and willalso be arranged parallel to each other as the strand is pulled throughthe segment 31.

In Figs. 6, '7 and 8 of the drawings, I have shown another modified typeof improved pin curl' producer comprising ingeneral, a spindle 2i}having'a manipulating knob 2| rigidly attached thereto by means of abearing rod 22; a bracket 43 having an integral sleeve 44 rotatablyjournalled on the rod 22 between the spindle 2E and the knob 2|, andbeing provided with a strand clamping plate 45 and with a lip 46disposed on the opposite sides of and parallel to the spindle 29; amovable clamping pad 47 slidable along guides 43 carried by the plate45; and one or more rubber bands 49 or other means for resilientlyurgingthe pad 41 toward the plate 45.,

serrations or teeth 52 as shown in Fig. 8. It is preferable in thismodified assemblage, to form both the plate 45 and the pad 4'! slightlyoppositely concave so as to provide a slight comb receiving spacebetween them. An ordinary comb 53 is adapted to be inserted between theplate 45 and pad 4! as illustrated in Fig. 6, in order to gather up astrand 3| of hair and to insert the same between the plate and pad asshown in Fig.7, and the inserted strand will be Trictionally confinedbetween the clamping elements by the:

rubber bands 49 and will be combed into regular order :by the teeth 50,52 when thehair are withdrawn longitudinally.

Referring to Figs. 9 and 10, the modified curl core or spindle 40 showntherein may be applied to any of the devices shown in Figs. l to 8inclusive, and this core 40 may likewise beformedof wood or the like,and is provided with a periph eralslot 4|.adapted to frictionally.retain a curl When a curl has been clamping clip .42 therein. formedaround the spindle core 4!),the clip 42 The pad 4'! which is may befolded to clamping position as illustrated in dot-and-dashlines-inFig.10, and may thereafter be snapped shut to confine the completed curland to facilitate removal thereof from the spindle.

As previously indicated, my improved mode of.

curling comprises winding a frictionally confined strand of hair aboutan axis while maintaining each hair free from attachment to the adjacenthair and under slight longitudinal tension, and combing the stranddirectly preceding winding thereof into curl formation. This proceduremay be carried on by hand or with any of the devices shown in Figs. 1 toinclusive, and all of these appliances are adapted to form so-called pincurls which may be finally clamped and retained in shape by the clips 42until the curls have dried and set. When utilizing any of these .pincurl forming devices, each strand 3| of hair is initially properlypositioned in the frictional retaining portion of the rotary bracket,with the root ends of the hair free from engagement with each other; andafter the cylindrical curl forming spindle has been positionedperlpendicular to the scalp and is beingthus held, the hair engagingbracket may be revolved about the bearing bar 22 thereby causing thestrand 3| to be wound in helical formation about the spindle core. Asthe winding of the strand about the spindle axis proceeds, theindividual hair will be constantly maintained under tension, and willalso be com-bed parallel to adjacent hair, and the wound strand will beengaged by the depending bracket lip and will retain required tensionand be prevented from unwinding until otherwise secured by a hairpin orthe like. The finally formed curls may be slipped axially from the spin-:dle end and held in place against the scalp 30 either with a hair pinor with a clip 42, and while the improved method is thus readilyapplicable when forming pin curls, it is also applicable when producingordinary roll curls or other hair arrangements.

Referring specifically to Figs. 11 to 13 inclusive, the improved rollcurler and clamp shown therein, comprises in general, an open generallyrectangular metal frame 56 having opposite side bars 5| and a notch 52in one end thereof a flat bar 53 pivotally suspended from a pin 54formed integral with the opposite end of the frame 56 and havingopposite side serrations or teeth 55 adapted to be brought intojuxtaposition with the frame side bars 5|; and a resilient wire clampingyoke 56 pivotally suspended from one end of the frame 50 by means of apivot .pin 51, and having its opposite end 58 formed to snap into theframe notch 52.

In Figs. 14, 15 and 16, I'have illustrated a modified type of rollcurler comprising in general an approximately rectangular metal frame 60having parallel opposite side bars 6| provided with serrations or teeth62 along their inner sides, the frame 60 having a notch 63 in one end; afiat bar 64 pivotally suspended from a pin 65 formed integral with theopposite end of the frame 60, and adapted to be positioned between theside bars 6|; and a resilient wire clamping yoke 66 pivotally suspendedfrom the frame 60 by means roots of the hair.

of a pivot pin 61, and having its opposite end 68 element 69 adapted tobe connected to an energizingline I0, has been inserted within thecurled strand in order to facilitate drying thereof. There may be anydesired number of these heating elements, 69 provided, and they may bedetachably connectable to plugs at the ends of the lines 10; and theelements 69 may obviously bepermanentlyinstalled within the central bars53, 64, if so, desired.

When utilizing any of the improved roll curlers to curl, hair, the partsmay be initially positioned as shown in Figs. 11 and 14, whereuponstrands 3| of hair may be positioned across the frames and the centralbars may be snapped within the frames to moderately clamp the strandsnear the Each frame may thereafter be pulled along the initially clampedhair strand 3|,

thereby causing the teeth to comb the hair into parallel position. Whenthe frame has been brought near the ends of the hair in the strand 3|,the strand may be wound snugly about the frame side bars and over thecenter bar while permitting the hair to slide to their extreme ends,whereupon the yoke may be snapped over the frame and over .the curl soas to prevent unwind ing. A heating element 69 may be subsequentlyapplied to facilitate drying and setting of the curl, and in this mannerregular and perfect successive curls may be produced.

From the foregoing detailed description it will be apparent that mypresent invention provides apparatus for quickly and effectivelyproducing various types of curls having the individual hair thereofarranged in neat and regular order, and

I properly tensioned so as to cause the curls to maintain their shapesfor a long time. The improved curlers obviously expedite formation ofeach individual curl, and facilitate production of the successive curls.The pin curlers are readily manipulable without unpleasantness andinjury to the hair, and the use of the clamping clips avoids necessityof using hair pins and also speed the removal of the curls. The improvedroll curlers are also manipulable by a novice without injury anddiscomfort and eliminate the formation of "fish-hooks at the ends of thehair, and these roll curlers also lie flat against the head and are notuncomfortable when th user lies down. The use of the improved heatersalso hastens the drying operation and prolongs the life of the curls.All of the improved appliances have proven highly successful in actualuse, and can obviously be produced at moderate cost.

It should be understood that it is not desired to limit this inventionto the precise details of construction of the apparatus, herein shownand described, for various modifications within the scope of, the claimsmay occur to persons skilled in the art.

I claim:

1. In combination, a scalp engaging spindle directly abuttable againstthe scalp to retain the spindle fixed, a bracket having a lip revolvableabout and in close proximity to said spindle to frictionally tension astrand of hair and to wind the strand around the spindle in a planeperpendicular to the spindle axis when said bracket is revolved, andmeans associated with said tensioning means for combing the hair of saidstrand during the winding operation.

2. In combination, a spindle adapted to directly engage and to befixedly held relative to a scalp, and a frame revolvably supported bysaid spindle and being fixed against displacement along the spindleaxis, said frame having a lip for winding a strand of hairrootedadjacentthe spindleiend: about the spindleiina planeapproximatelyperpendicular. to the spindle .axis and near thescalp abutting endthereof;

3; In combination,.a..spind1e adapted to directly engage and to befixedly held relative to a scalp, a. frame revolvably supported: by saidspindle and being fixed againstdisplacement along the spindle axis, saidframe. having a lip for winding a strand of hair rooted adjacent thespindle end about the spindle insaplaneapproximately perpendicular tothe spindle axis and near the scalp abutting end thereof, and meansassociated with said frame for combingthestrand during the windingoperation.

4.: In combination, a spindle adapted todi-* rectly engage and to befixedly held relative to a scalp, and a bracket member revolvablysupported bysaid spindle and being held against .disp1acementalong thespindle axis, said member-having a lip co-operable with a strand of hairrooted adjacent to the spindle end tomaintain the strand inaplaneapproximately perpendicular to-the spindle axis while the strand isbeing wound into curl-formation byrotation of said member relative tosaid spindle.

5. In combination, a spindle adapted to directly engage and to befixedly held relative to a scalp, a bracket member revolvably supportedby said spindle and being held against displacement along the spindleaxis, said member having a lip co-operable with a strand of hair rootedadjacent:- to the spindle end to maintain the strand in a planeapproximately perpendicular to the spindle axis while the strand isbeing wound into curl formation by rotation of said member relative tosaid spindle, and means revolvable withsaid member for tensioning thestrand during-the winding operation.

6. In combination, a spindle adapted to directly engage and to befixedly held relative to a scalp;

a bracket member revolvably supported by said spindle and being heldagainst displacement along the spindle axis,- said member having a lipcooperable with a strand of hair rooted adjacent tothe spindle end tomaintain the strand'ina plane approximately perpendicular to thespindleaxis while the strand is being wound into curl form*a tion by rotationof said member relativeto-said" spindle, and means associated with saidmember for combing th strand during the winding op-- eration.

'7. In combination, a spindle having one end directly abuttable againsta scalp and having its opposite end provided with a handle for retainingthe spindle in'fixed position, and-a bracket mem berrevolvably supportedadjacent to saidhandle' and being held against displacement along-thespindle axis, said member having an elongated lip extending along and inclose proximity to -the spindleupe'ripherytoward the scalp abutting endfor maintaining a-strand of hair insnug coaction with:- the: spindle:and. in a. plane :approxi-' mately perpendicular to the spindle axisWhile the strand is being wound into curl formation by rotation of saidmember relative to saidspindle.

8..Inv combination, a spindle having one end directlyabuttable against ascalp and having its opposite. end provided witha handle for retaining.the spindle in fixed position, a bracket member revolvably supportedadjacent .to said handle and being heldagainst: displacement alongthespindle axis, said member having. an elongated lip extending along. andin close proximity to the is beingwoundinto. curl formation by rotationof said member relative to-said. spindle, andmeans carried by saidmember for tensioning and for combing the strandhduring the windingoperation.

9. In combination, a spindle havingan approximately cylindrical portionone endof which is directly abuttable against a scalp and the oppositeend of which is provided with a handle for retaining the spindle inposition, and a bracket member revolvably supported between saidcylindrical portion and said handle and being held against displacementalong the spindle axis, said member having an elongated lip extendingalong and in close proximity to the periphery of said cylindricalspindle portion toward the'scalp abutting end for maintaining a strandof hair in snug coaction with saidspindle portion and in a planeapproximately perpendicular to the spindle axis while the strand isbeing wound into curl formation by rotation of said member relative tosaid spindle.

10. In combination, aspindlehaving an approximately cylindrical portionone end of which is directly abuttable against a scalp and the oppositeend of which is provided with a handle for retaining the spindleinposition, abracket member revolvably supported between saidcylindrical portion and said handle and being held against displacementalong the spindle axis, said member having an elongated lip extendingalong and in close proximity tothe periphery of said cylindrical spindleportion toward the scalp abutting end for maintaining a strand of hairin snug coaction with said spindle portion and in a plane approximatelyperpendicular to the spindle axis while the strand is beingwound intocurl formation by rotation-of said member relative to said spindle, andmeans revolvable with said member for tensioning andfor combing thestrand during the winding operation.

HECTOR. L. LE PAGE.

